Pelotonia’s Future: Extended Through Major Sponsors’ Commitment

August 04, 2015 - 10:40 AM

The three major funding partners that have supported Pelotonia since 2010 have each committed to $500,000 annually for the next five years, ensuring that the grassroots bicycle tour will raise money for cancer research at Ohio State through 2020.

Thanks to annual support from these major supporters, including Huntington National Bank, L Brands Foundation, and Richard and Peggy Santulli—along with support from other generous sponsors—every cent raised by Pelotonia riders, virtual riders and donors goes to cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James).

Combined, the funding commitment from the three major sponsors will provide $1.5 million annually to help finance the costs of organizing the weekend event, including security and emergency services, food and refreshments, entertainment and marketing.

“Huntington National Bank, L Brands Foundation, and Richard and Peggy Santulli are the top tier of the many funding partners that are necessary to make Pelotonia a success,” says Stephen Chaykowski, assistant vice president of advancement at the OSUCCC – James.

Beyond providing financial support at the corporate level, Huntington and L Brands have generated significant support for the event through corporate pelotons (riding groups).

Thousands of employees represent those companies as riders, virtual riders or volunteers whose donations of time and talent help make Pelotonia a success. Pelotonia also has some 60 other partners that provide funding and other forms of assistance, including volunteer work.

Besides the three major funding partners, two others—AEP and Nationwide—are classed as supporting funding partners, and both have re-committed $250,000 per year for five years and two years, respectively. Classed as notable funding partners for Pelotonia are Cardinal Health, Harold C. Schott Foundation, Scotts Miracle-Gro and Kenyon College. The event also benefits from several notable in-kind partners. Pelotonia President and CEO Doug Ulman says all partners are critical to maintaining the Pelotonia experience.

In the first six annual bicycle tours (2009-14), Pelotonia has generated $82,343,670, including a record $21,049,621 by Pelotonia 14, which outdistanced the 2013 total by more than $2 million. Pelotonia 14 drew 7,270 riders from 41 states and 10 countries, 3,700 virtual riders, 2,600 volunteers and 276 registered pelotons.

“When we think of all the valuable research that has come from Pelotonia dollars so far, and the promise of more research to come, we have to give huge credit to our three major sponsors and to all of the others as well,” says OSUCCC Director and James CEO Michael A. Caligiuri, MD. “This support fuels our pursuit of a cancer-free world.”